Gary:
We are still working to publicize the $33,000 reward fund that was established to help generate leads in the Livermore horse killing case, and have partnered with Clear Channel to erect one of their billboards on northbound 880 in Oakland.

I’m hoping that many of your readers will notice the billboard. I suspect that they will be curious about the case. The following information will help bring them up-to-date.M. Eliza Fried, director of development and Marketing, East Bay SPCA, Oakland & Tri-Valley

Clean Channel and East Bay SPCA Partner to Help Find Horse Killer:
Clear Channel and the East Bay SPCA have partnered to help spread the word about a $33,000.00 reward fund established to identify the person or persons responsible for killing two horses in Livermore on October 21, 2008.

A large billboard bringing public awareness to the crime and the reward has been erected in Oakland near the north-bound High Street exit on Highway 880. Clear Channel Vice President for Governmental Affairs Michael Colbruno explained why the company decided to donate valuable billboard space. “A crime against an animal should be taken as seriously as a crime against a person. We hope that this campaign is as successful as our partnership with the FBI to catch criminals.”

Lucky and Choctaw were killed during the night of Tuesday, October 21, 2008 while at pasture at a private ranch. The Rountree family members, who owned the horses, were devastated by the tragic loss. Choctaw had spent his life performing at charity events and in parades; he had also helped children with special needs through the Hoofprints on the Heart Adoptive Riding Center.

Before the family adopted Lucky as a rescue horse, he had been in compromised health after living in poor conditions, and through their nurturing, Lucky fully recovered. The two horses had bonded and usually spent their time together in the Rountree pasture.

“We are very saddened by the senseless and cowardly act of violence that was carried out on our ranch in Livermore,” shared Mike Rountree. “The individual(s) didn’t just shoot defenseless horses, but killed a member of our family the evening of October 21st. We very much appreciate the help and generosity by the East Bay SPCA and Clear Channel to advertise the reward. We hope that this effort will bring justice for Lucky and Choctaw.”

East Bay SPCA Executive Director Allison Lindquist is determined to find the killer. “Although it has been many months, we are still optimistic that someone out there will do the right thing and turn in the person who senselessly killed these innocent animals.”

Anyone with information about this tragic event is asked to come forward by contacting Scott Sutherland with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department at 925-313-2654.